Setting the Hook with B&J?

[drifter]

Hey Mark and other bobber and jig experts:

First, let me say thanks for all the good information you have given in the past. I hooked my first B&J steelie on a low, clear, Eagle Creek last week. It was a blast to see the bobber go down. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lost that fish however after about 30 seconds. It was similar to when I first started drift fishing and I did not know how to set the hook. It seems that hook set is different with the bobber attached. Yet, some have said that the bobber sets the hook automatically.

I would really appreciate your comments about hook set. Thanks, drifter. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[First Bite]

drifter
Good job on getting your first steelie on a jig. I always set the hook hard when the float goes down. Since I've switched over to mainly float fishing, I've increased my hook up ratio significantly. E-mail me at firstcastjigs@earthlink.net and I'll give you a few tips that will increase the odds in your favor.
Mark

[Fishin Magician]

Mark told me that even if the bobber barely goes under the surface set the hook.I have seen summers come up mouth the jig and never even twitch the bobber!!!When in doubt Set the hook!!!

[Fishin Magician]

Oh Yeah, This is crucial!!!! Keep the hook razor sharp, When the fish grabs it the hook should stick in the fishes mouth http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif This will increase your hookups.

[Fuzzybutt & Angel]

Very cool Drifter, it IS fun to watch that float go under, for me, there are two techniques that I use to get a good hook set.
first, It depends on where the float is in relation to where you are. if its right out in front of you, and you have no extra line on the water, set immediately! hard the first time, followed by a few turns of the reel handle, followed by another set, with the light long bobber rods, you arent getting as much pressure as you would think, and this second set is the one that keeps em' pinned.
second, if the float is down and away from you, and you see it go under, what I do is drop my rod tip, and reel as fast as possible, upon finally getting tight to the fish, a good hard set and your off to the races. and I agree with the magician, always have a sticky sharp hook!


Fuzzy
www.silentapproach.com (http://www.silentapproach.com)

[Sand Shrimp]

There aren't to many things better in life than getting a good bobber takedown and hooking a hot fish on a jig.Always set the hook hard,and watch for the light biters.Many times when fishing in low water I have watched fish take my jig and I've set the hook before the bobber has even moved.

[This message has been edited by Sand Shrimp (edited 02-21-2001).]

[DanS]

I'd recommend setting the hook with an upward pull, as opposed to swweping the rod to the side. When to float goes down, set the hook. If it's a snag, deal with it. But if it's a fish and you give some lame pull back on the rod, you'll get the quick spit-out.

Fish on............